I've been thinking a bit about the political threads and posts that show up here from time to time... and almost inevitably end up ruffling some feathers and eventually need to be closed down. First off, I think that overall this forum has stayed fairly civil and respectful and there have been some reasonable exchanges on some sensitive issues. Kudos to both the posters who have likely edited their posts carefully, and to our super moderators!
There does seem to be a bit of a conundrum here (personally speaking). I do value many of the comments that some have made in the more politically tinged threads; but I too usually come here to immerse myself in all things fishing. On the one hand, I don't think that these threads should infringe on anyone who has come here for a little "virtual river time"; on the other hand there are some real issues that can have real ramifications on the very things we all love.
I'm of the opinion that there is some potential benefit to be able to reach out and raise awareness for specific threats to watersheds, or to gather support for legislation that could have positive impacts on a particular fishery, etc. Perhaps these threads could be moved from the "general" forum to a better location so that people could come and go to that forum if/when the so choose? I know that no one needs to click on any thread title, but I think that certain thread titles tend be like the proverbial car crash that you just can't look away from. Just to be clear, in no way am I suggesting a free for all political bash forum; but one with more or less the same basic rules in it's own dedicated space.
Curious if others would support or prefer moving these threads to a dedicated forum? Would our esteemed moderators be in favor of such a move? Just a thought.
JB
There does seem to be a bit of a conundrum here (personally speaking). I do value many of the comments that some have made in the more politically tinged threads; but I too usually come here to immerse myself in all things fishing. On the one hand, I don't think that these threads should infringe on anyone who has come here for a little "virtual river time"; on the other hand there are some real issues that can have real ramifications on the very things we all love.
I'm of the opinion that there is some potential benefit to be able to reach out and raise awareness for specific threats to watersheds, or to gather support for legislation that could have positive impacts on a particular fishery, etc. Perhaps these threads could be moved from the "general" forum to a better location so that people could come and go to that forum if/when the so choose? I know that no one needs to click on any thread title, but I think that certain thread titles tend be like the proverbial car crash that you just can't look away from. Just to be clear, in no way am I suggesting a free for all political bash forum; but one with more or less the same basic rules in it's own dedicated space.
Curious if others would support or prefer moving these threads to a dedicated forum? Would our esteemed moderators be in favor of such a move? Just a thought.
JB